Thanks so much for all the great comments and advice regarding getting into the straps and the mast base position. Actually, when I went to look at where the mast base was, I realized that instead of it being dead center, it was more forward than I thought. (I have a base protector on and didn't see the exact position the mast base was in.) Anyway, I moved it back a bit, and lo and behold the new position gave me the confidence to get in the straps today. It was really quite easy with the mast base back where it was and I felt "locked in" at times. The gusts were minimal today, the wind somewhat light, and the waves minimal, so trying things today under these conditions were a lot more conducive and less frightening. It took some moving the harness lines around and the boom, but I feel as if I'm on my way!!

The position of the mast base mainly impacts the position of the sail relative to the board and your body. You can still get planing and sailing in the footstraps with the mast base anywhere. However, since the transition into the footstraps implies moving your body further aft if will feel awkward at first and somewhat unstable/uncomfortable. This is where moving the mast base comes into play as moving it aft means the pressure point of the sail will move aft, along with your body when you step into the footstraps.

I would recommend working on your technique rather than on the kit as this will enable you to be more flexible with the gear you can later use.

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